Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Germany in 2024

Germany, known for its robust economy and thriving industries, offers a wealth of opportunities to individuals across the globe seeking lucrative careers. The country boasts the 5th largest economy in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), leading to a rich job market with high-paying opportunities available for skilled workers.

With a graduate unemployment rate of just 2.3% and merely 2.8% for individuals over 25, it’s clear why the country is a magnet for talented individuals. From cutting-edge technology job roles to leadership positions in business, finance, and healthcare, you can leverage lucrative opportunities in this country. 

Whether you’re an international student planning to build your career in Germany or a working individual aiming for the next big professional move, learning about the highest-paying jobs in Germany can help you navigate your path to a successful career. 

So, read this blog by MSM Unify overseas education consultants to learn about the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Germany, and navigate towards a successful global career ahead. 

 

Highest Paid Degrees in Germany

 

Why should you choose to work in Germany?

Before exploring the top 10 highest paying jobs in Germany, let us first understand why the country makes a prudent choice to build a successful global career. Here are some reasons why:

Thriving job market:

As reported, the country currently has over 7,70,000 job vacancies across various domains, showcasing an ardent demand for skilled professionals.

Lucrative salaries in Engineering and IT:

Engineering and IT jobs dominate the list of highest-pay scale jobs in Germany. The annual salaries in these sectors typically range from €65,000 to €85,000 approximately. Furthermore, you will be happy to know that companies like Bosch, Siemens, and Volkswagen are the major employers in this domain.

Booming healthcare sector:

Healthcare professionals, particularly competent doctors, typically earn between €80,000 and €150,000 annually. The actual salary depends on their specialization, competence, and experience. Apart from doctors, other healthcare experts, including nurses, physiotherapists, etc. can also leverage well-paying jobs in the country.

Excellent job opportunities in Finance:

Finance professionals, especially those in management and banking roles, are among the highest earners in the country. According to the latest statistics, the salaries of professionals in senior positions reach up to €2,00,000 annually.

Availability of numerous locations for high-paying jobs:

Cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin are hotspots for high-paying jobs in Germany. Frankfurt tops the list of these locations with the highest average gross salary of approximately €66,529 annually. This city is particularly noted as an attractive study destination for tech and finance professionals.

Leading employers offering competitive salaries:

Top companies such as McKinsey & Company, Bosch, Porsche, BMW, SAP, Volkswagen, and Siemens Healthiness provide competitive salaries and excellent career growth opportunities to deserving professionals.

 

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Top 10 highest paying jobs in Germany

This section entails the list of ten lucrative job roles in the country that can help you elevate your career significantly, and improve your lifestyle considerably.

1. Doctor

Average annual salary: €50,000 to €150,000 approximately

Growth rate: 7% (year-on-year)

Required qualifications:

• a medical degree from an accredited university, 
• successful completion of the Approbation exam viz. The medical licensing exam in Germany
• fluency in both German and English.

The medical and healthcare field in the country persists to be one of the most respected and financially rewarding career paths. Top hospitals like University Hospital Heidelberg and Asklepios Kliniken Bad Abbach GmbH offer competitive salaries to qualified doctors, ranging from €60,000 to €95,000 annually.

 

2. Software Developer

Average annual salary: €60,000 to €130,000 approximately

Growth rate: 4-5% (year-on-year )

Required qualifications: 

• a relevant degree 
• strong proficiency in coding languages such as Python, Java, or C++ 

As technology continues to evolve, the role of a software developer remains one of the most sought-after and highest-paying jobs in Germany. This job role appeals to the tech-savvy generation that aims to create innovative software solutions for businesses and organizations. Companies like Amazon, Apple, and SAP offer some of the most competitive salaries in this field in Germany.

 

3. Pilot

Average annual salary: €30,000 to €165,000 approximately

Growth rate: 4% over the next decade

Required qualifications: 

• graduation from a recognized flight school
• an aviation-related college program/ an airline cadet pilot program
• additional certifications may be required depending on the type of aircraft and specific roles

This is one of the most prestigious and well-paying jobs in the country. Depending on your qualifications and interests, you can choose to fly commercial airliners, military aircraft, or private jets. Reputable companies such as Lufthansa, AIR HAMBURG, EasyJet, and Condor offer competitive salaries in the range of €70,000 to €110,000 every year, depending on your experience and job position.

 

4. Portfolio Manager

Average annual salary: €50,000 to €140,000 approximately

Growth rate: 20% over the next decade

Required qualifications: 

• a certification as a financial analyst (such as CFA)
• in-depth market knowledge 
• fluency in both German and English

Portfolio managers are among the highest earners in the finance sector in Germany. Their critical role entails managing investments and making strategic financial decisions. Leading companies like Baker Hughes, SEB AB, Schüco, and Landesbank Berlin offer competitive salaries in this field, with top earners making up to €140,000 approximately every year.

 

5. Electrical Engineer

Average annual salary: €60,000 to €150,000 approximately

Growth rate: 2-3% (year-on-year)

Required qualifications: 

• a university degree in electrical engineering
• a Blue Card permit (often necessary for non-EU citizens) 
• additional certifications (depending on the employer and specific role)

Electrical engineering is one of the most financially rewarding career paths in Germany. The country’s reputation as a leader in technology and engineering education attracts students and professionals worldwide. Major companies like Siemens, Airbus, and BMW Group offer some of the highest-paying jobs in the field, with top salaries reaching up to a whopping €150,000 annually​.

 

6. Risk Manager

Average annual salary: €70,000 to €120,000 approximately

Growth rate: 2% (year-on-year)

Required qualifications: 

• a degree in risk management or a relevant degree 
• strong business acumen
• fluency in both German and English

Risk management is a crucial and high-paying profession, especially within financial institutions and large corporations. Top companies such as Baumlink GmbH, Deutsche Bank, and Morgan Stanley offer excellent growth opportunities and competitive salaries to competent risk managers. The top earners in this domain reportedly make up to €120,000 annually​.

 

7. Lawyer

Average annual salary: €40,000 to €150,000 approximately

Growth rate: 50% over the next decade

Required qualifications: 

• a law degree from a recognized institution
• admission to the Bar Association
• fluency in both German and English

The rigorous legal education provided by German universities makes the legal profession one of the highest-paying professions in Germany. Top law firms like CMS Law Tax Future, Redeker Sellner Dahs, and others offer some of the most lucrative positions to lawyers in the country. The leading lawyers in Germany earn up to €150,000 every year.

 

8. Project Manager

Average annual salary: €55,000 to €135,000 approximately

Growth rate: NA

Required qualifications: 

• a degree in a relevant field (such as engineering,  IT, or business) 
• extensive experience in project management
• fluency in both German and English

Project Managers have a great scope in leading companies and organizations relying on complex, large-scale projects. Project managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and assessment of projects. This position solicits a deep understanding of people management, resource allocation, and time management as well.

 

9. Sales Director

Average annual salary: €65,000 to €160,000 approximately

Growth rate: around 5% annually

Required qualifications: 

• a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, or a related domain 
• relevant experience in sales and leadership 
• fluency in both German and English 

These professionals are crucial for a company’s success, as they lead dynamic sales teams and develop innovative strategies for phenomenal business growth. This role is indeed one of the highest-paying jobs in Germany and is ideal for professionals seeking rewarding opportunities in the corporate world. 

 

10. College Professor

Average annual salary: €75,000 to €140,000 approximately

Growth rate: NA

Required qualifications: 

• a relevant master’s or doctorate degree
• strong teaching skills
• fluency in both German and English

This is one of the most respected, and top-paying professions in Germany. This role offers financial rewards, and also opportunities to contribute significantly to academic research and student development. If you desire success in this field, you must have expertise in the requisite subject area, a deep passion for teaching, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and research.

If you want to explore more highest-paying jobs in Germany without a degree, or with a relevant degree, MSM Unify overseas education consultants can help you explore various options in the country. So, contact MSM Unify overseas education consultants at the earliest.

 

FAQs

1. Which jobs pay the highest salary in Germany?

Engineers, IT specialists, finance directors, senior executives, and medical professionals are some of the jobs in Germany that pay the highest salary.

2. Which job is in high demand in Germany?

The jobs in high demand in Germany are:

• Engineers
• Software Developers and IT Professionals
• Academicians and Educators
• Doctors and Healthcare Professionals
• Lawyers
• Business and Finance Professionals
• Skilled Trade Workers